ABSTINENCE or INDULGENCE: A Case Study on the Perceived Antecedents of Sexual Abstinence in Male College Students

Abstract

Studies on Abstinence-Only education and the continuous trend of overpopulation have led to the start of this study. International researches have shown that there are no significant differences in terms of frequency of sexual activity between those who chose to engage early in such activities and those who chose to remain sexually abstinent. Researches and statistics also show that premarital sex is indeed a pressing issue and is therefore needed to be addressed quickly and effectively. The researcher wanted to assess the perceptions of male college students with regard to sexual abstinence and how these perceptions affect their sexual behavior in general. This research also aimed to differentiate their definitions of comparable terms such as sexual abstinence and virginity. This research also looks into the male respondent’s expectancies and values. How he must value his own principles and perceptions on sexual abstinence may have a great effect on his present sexual behavior. This study assumes that external factors can greatly afreet the perceptions or ideas of males with regard to the issue of sexual abstinence. Specifically, peer group relations and the socio-economic status of the family are assumed to be of greatest effect to an adolescent male’s knowledge about it. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gather specific data for this research. A three-part, 16 item questionnaire was administered to 30 male college-level students. Three male college students were subjected to in-depth interviews regarding their perceptions on constructs and their sexual backgrounds. The results of the survey questionnaire showed that most of the respondents have had previous sexual experiences and regard their partner’s consent as the top consideration. They see peer pressure and the media as important affective factors to an individual’s sexual behavior while religion as the most influential antecedent to the choice of sexual abstinence. The results from Key Informant Interviews showed that the highest value is given to the sexual partner and her consent. Peer pressure and influence was also highlighted as an antecedent to sexual activities but was disregarded when it came to the issue of peer sharing of sexual encounters or better known as kissing and telling. Subjects regard sexual activities, most importantly intercourse as a personal and sensitive matter. not to for the consumption of even the best of peers. This research concludes that although factors such as the socio-economic status of an individual and the peer group influences are important in deciding whether an individual chooses to remain sexually abstinent or otherwise, it is also important to note that there is the prerogative of the individual to neglect such factors while still being able to decide for his own.